Indianfield Cemetery at Little Zion

The Columbarium at Little Zion Indianfield

Little Zion's 'Indianfield' cemetery is one of the most interesting in the area due to its age and beautiful grounds. It is a valued asset to the congregation and an ever constant reminder of our faith, heritage and community.

Many of the headstones are marked in Fraktur

The oldest section is directly behind the church and it is a favorite with genealogists and historians. Unfortunately, time and acid rain have eroded some of the stones, but most are in a readable state.

The earliest one that can be distinguished is a red fieldstone grave dating to 1752 with hand-etched initials of IB on its side. It is believed to belong to a child of a Bernhard family.

The red fieldstone grave, dated 1750

Other stones are made of gray field slabs, old fashioned marble, and granite. The oldest ones are written in High German and are often used for 'rubbings'. One interesting type is called a 'planting cradle monument' designed like the ones found in Europe. The center of the cradle was to be used for planting flowers.

"Planting cradle" monuments

Several obelisks and large family markers are found throughout the entire cemetery.

Obelisks

Johann George Roeller, a pastor at Little Zion from 1799-1840, is buried in the oldest section and his monument looks like a table. A brief history of his life is written in German on the stone.

"Table" monuments

Flags and markers indicate the graves of veterans who fought for our nation. They participated in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korean War and Vietnam.

Gravesite of a revolutionary war veteran

Our loyal group of volunteeers maintain all aspects of the cemetery except for grass mowing. We are dedicated to providing a sacred burial place for the deceased and ensuring that these areas and records are maintained to honor their lives.

Fraktur headstones behind the sanctuary

Pastor Paul Beck, dedicating the Columbarium, June 2009